A new 'Healthier Food Mark' for canteens

The new mark will be awarded to catering companies who serve the public sector if they meet certain criteria. This criteria includes the design of menus, sourcing ingredients that are lower in saturated fat, salt and added sugar, preparation and presentation of food, including portion sizes, and procuring environmentally sustainable food. The Government recognises that nutrition is important for all patients, and considers it a priority issue. It is committed to supporting people to make healthier choices about food, including in their workplace. Almost a third of all meals served by caterers in the UK are served in public sector canteens, and around one million meals are served to NHS patients and staff each day alone. Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo commented on his aims of the mark: "Our ultimate aim is for healthy food to be the norm across England – in hospitals, care homes, prisons and in all public workplaces across the country and to ensure that patients are well fed." The Department for Children, Schools and Families has already put in place more than £650 million investment by 2011 to raise nutritional standards, ensure better teaching of nutrition, diet and practical cooking skills in class, improving kitchen facilities, and improving overall take-up. Weblink: www.dh.gov.uk